A 55-year-old was back out on the Wychwood Park golf course eight days after undergoing major heart surgery.

John Charlton, of Spurstow, had to be referred to the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) after doctors discovered that a bacterial infection had entered his blood stream because of an untreated wobbly tooth, causing damage to a heart valve.

However, following a minimally invasive mitral valve repair procedure on June 28, the amateur golfer was able to pick up his beloved clubs for a nine-hole round on the Weston fairway just over a week later.

John said: “I’d not had a day off work in 30 years, but I suddenly started to experience severe headaches, night sweats and my appetite disappeared.

“For the first time ever I was forced to pull out of a couple of golf competitions because I felt so unwell and I knew I needed to get myself checked out.”

After three weeks of treatment and a further week of medication and rest at home, John knew that he needed to undergo surgery to repair his damaged heart valve.

It was then that he was referred to LHCH. However, thanks to a new technique - an alternative to open chest surgery - he was discharged from hospital four days after his procedure and was able to return to the golf course a lot sooner than expected.

LHCH consultant cardiac surgeon, Paul Modi said: “To know that John was back playing competitive golf just over a week after the procedure was amazing and the speed of his return to normal activities is an example of what can be achieved with these keyhole heart surgery techniques.

“This newer technique uses a small incision on the right side of the chest to give access to the heart and a high-definition video camera is then used to guide the procedure inside.”

John added: “Since the operation I’ve felt fitter and stronger than ever. In fact, just three weeks after the operation I played 36 holes in one day and I didn’t finish last!”

“I’m just so grateful for the care and expertise of Mr Modi and the whole hospital team. My life has been transformed and I’ve been given the chance to continue playing the sport I love. In future, I certainly won’t be avoiding my dentist!”